Anderson Varejao has been penciled in to start at center for the Cleveland Cavaliers pretty much since day one. The big guy is one of the better players on a weak, depth starved roster, specifically at center. The Cavs are a team that has been dominated by a rookie though, young star Kyrie Irving. They might need to start depending on yet another rookie in Varejao's absence with a veritable black hole at the center position.
Semih Erden, Ryan Hollins and Samardo Samuels the 'veteran' options at center for Cavs head coach Byron Scott, and none have been particularly effective. Rookie power forward Tristan Thompson is probably the most intriguing option at the moment, and the fourth overall pick in the most recent draft might just get his chance as the days tick by with no Varejao.
Right now it looks like Scott does not want to immediately start sticking Thompson into the lineup right away, understandable considering his lack of experience and young age. If the Cavaliers can't start winning more basketball games quickly though, the young big guy might start to need to add to his 18 minute per game clip that he's had so far in 2012. He may be quite raw offensively but his defensive abilities -- if they continue to grow -- will surely be a welcome change for the Cavs.
For more on the Cavaliers, check out Fear The Sword.